Spanish Summer

It has been five long weeks since we returned from our beloved Spain. Even after all these years, 37 years to be exact, of traveling to beautiful destinations, the Spanish duende manages to seep into my veins and linger long after my departure. At times the vividness of its landscapes rush over me like a spell, breaking routine moments of my simple life. I would be lying to you if I didn't share that the countdown to my next journey to Spain begins the moment I step foot on Spanish soil. Simply can't get enough! So in anticipation for our next trip, whenever that may be, lets get lost in beautiful images never to be erased from my mind.

So here goes... take a glimpse into what keeps me wishing for more. 

Enjoy! 

My splendid Catalan oasis, Llafrach!

Making the waterside walk to the charming Calella de Palafrugell

Leaving the secret northern corner of the Costa Brava, this year we ventured off to the slice of heaven otherwise known as Mallorca. Wanting to escape the hordes of crowds, we settled in the quiet Cala Santanyi in the southwest corner of the island. I hope you find it as intoxicating as we did!

Cala Santanyi

A little bourbon and Coca-Cola always makes for a majestic evening.

Sunsets nearby

Es Pontas a short walk from Cala Santanyi.

                                                 

 

The rocky walk to Es Pontas meandered off from one of the most beautiful Mollorquina homes I have seen.

The family friendly Cala Santanyi from another vantage point.

Villas in this area were simple with their striking traditional Spanish green shutters.

View of the fishing village of Cala Figuera.

The vista leading up to Cala S'Amarador was quite deceiving. We were told a great beach lies ahead.

Still finding our way towards Cala S'Amarador. Look at how the landscape changed from the previous picture!

Cala S'Amarador FINALLY!

The village of Santanyi

Beauty can't hide here!

Cala s'Almonia

Poppy filled views leading to Arta.

Dining alfresco in Arta.

Center of life in Santanyi village.

The pictures could go on for days, as I took over 700 of them on this last trip alone. Hopefully, this is just enough to make you want to share this table over a chilled glass of  Mallorca's famous Sa Vall Selecció Privada, Vins Miquel Gelabert wine! Lets meet here next time...

Vale, hasta pronto! 

G

A Year Later

Greetings friends!

It has been a while since we last connected, a year to be exact. Did you miss my random rants? Lots has transpired since our last encounter but today on the year anniversary of my last post I thought it fit to share another "blue" love affair.

                                                             Meet Sant Vicenç in Mallorca! 

Yet another destination that keeps me hankering to be back in the Spanish sun. You must go! But Shhhhhhhhhhhhh! Don't tell anyone you don't like. This is a our little secret. :)

Adios.

A Blue Year!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOL!

I can hardly believe that our "little" Sol has turned the big ONE today. I remember meeting her in August of last year when she was just weeks old and instantly falling in love with her rambunctious personality.

August 2011 @ 8 weeks

When she got home for the first time she began to explore, her big blue eyes capturing every crevis of her new surroundings. Those first 2-3 weeks were filled with sleepless nights. Waking up every 2-3 hours to potty train and for the first week bearing the howls of her adopting to her new home away from her brothers, sisters, and parents. She soon settled in all to well...

Sol NOT sleeping in her bed! Clearly the pillows did not serve as a barrier.

From the start she LOVED playing outside and practiced her "sit" often.

@ 3 months

 Practicing "lay down" with class.

Going for rides became her favorite pass time.

By September she was ready for morning rides to school with Bennett.

@ 4 months she was finally understanding "leave it". This was a tough one...

Sol letting dad know that she wanted to be included in his nap.

@ 5 months Sol was allowed to have 1 chair in the house.

And she LOVES laying in it and watching the birds & squirrels outside.

By November's falling leaves my little girl was really getting big! @ 5 months

By January Sol was starting to find her "attitude". @ 7 months

She began to outgrow her chair - but she didn't care. It was still her favorite spot!

By February she was a head above the bridge. @ 8 months

After a day a playing, both of us needed a nap, however, Sol was not invited on the bed.
I woke up surprised to find an 80 lbs puppy snoring.
I seriously have NO idea how she got on the bed!
Totally stealth... 

When she was awake Sol became our official "greeter"!

Yep.... not giving up on her chair @ 8 months.

When I shared it may be time to leave her chair behind she practiced her best pouty puppy look. It worked.

@ 9 months she had also learned how to open the door.
Here she is letting me know she was ready for her walk!

Picture perfect @ 10 months.

Girl knows a good thing when she sees one. Too bad she got busted this time!
And you guessed it - those pouty lips greeted me. Didn't work though.

@ 11 months she became my "business partner".
Here she is telling me to shut it down and play ~ it's the weekend!

Sol has brought so much joy and conversation into our life. While she has given us some scares - there have been a couple emergency room visits - she has an incredible spirit that keeps us smiling when she is around. My favorite thing about her is that, like her mom, she always takes time to stop and smell the flowers. We love you Sol! You truly are sunshine.

Sol,

Happy 1st Birthday!

We can't wait to celebrate many many more with you.


Love Great Danes like we do? Sol came to us via Victory Great Danes.
There are also great rescue sites like the Georgia Grat Dane Rescue.